Preferred Automotive

(301) 881-8530

Preferred Automotive has earned the best reputation for auto repair in the Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Garrett Park, and greater Washington area by caring about the customer first. This may seem obvious, but in this day and age it is less common. We have just been awarded the "Angie's List 2010 and 2011 Super Service Award" for A+ service. Therefore, doing the job correct the first time with integrity, honesty, pricing, and delivering the job on time. We have been fortunate to be recognized for 19 years by Washington Consumers Checkbook, Washingtonian Magazine and Carquest Autoparts (nominated Preferred Automotive as the best shop in America 6 years running) as doing the job right the first time with accuracy, honesty, and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Preferred Automotive is owned by Gary and Mike McKee since it opened October 10th, 1990. Both are avid family men that put the old fashion values of doing the right thing all the time on the top of the list.

Auto Makes We Service

Acura

Audi

BMW

Buick

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Chrysler

Dodge

FIAT

Ford

GMC

Geo

Honda

Hummer

Hyundai

Infiniti

Isuzu

Jeep

Kia

Lexus

Lincoln

Mazda

Mercedes-Benz

Mercury

Mini

Mitsubishi

Nissan

Oldsmobile

Plymouth

Pontiac

Ram

Saab

Saturn

Scion

Subaru

Suzuki

Toyota

Volkswagen

Volvo

Quality Affiliations

Specialties

AC/Heating

Alignment

Check Engine Light

Diagnosis

Hybrid/Electric

Muffler & Exhaust

Oil Change & Lube

Scheduled Maintenance

Service & Repair

Smog/Emissions Testing

Timing Belts

Tire Sales/Repair

Transmission Repair

Windshield/Glass

Amenities

AAA Member Discount

Car Wash

Child Friendly

Coffee

Early Bird Dropoff

Extended/Evening Hours

Heated Waiting Room

Loaner Car

Military Discount

Parts/Accessories

Rental Car

Senior Discount

Service Guarantee

Shopping Nearby

Shuttle

Store

Towing

Warranty Accepted

Wireless Internet

Customer Reviews
(19 reviews)

Of all of the service I have had to get done I have never had to bring the car back for the same issue twice. They always fix the problem the first time. They are a little expensive, but not having to get the same thing fixed twice is really worth it to me. That's why I keep going there.

They are very professional in the way they handle their business, and I like their work. I feel that my car is in good running condition when it's done and they don't hassle me to get other things done.

I have been a customer of Preferred Automotive since 1992. Gary and Mike are truly like part of my family. They specialize in creating long-term relationships. They have always been fair and I have never felt like I was being over-sold on any services. They are respectful of any financial issues you may be facing when they are providing services. I would never hesitate to recommend them. In times when an "honest mechanic" could be an oxymoron, they have kept it at the heart and soul of their business.‎

Was pleasantly suprised after my experience with other repair shops. Gary went out of his way to answer all my questions. They did the work as promised , no high pressure upsell or add-ons. I asked that they warm up engine oil before changing,then another employee gave me ride home in his car. They did ! They test drove my car 7 miles. (with a V/8 Mercedes , oil capacity 8.5 quarts, its important) I highly recommend this shop if u care about maintainance and repairs done right.

We live in both Daytona Beach Florida and in MD. We do the snowbird thing and do a fair amount of highway driving. We were in Florida and having trouble with our brakes acting funny so we went to the dealer for an inspection. We were told the brakes needed replacement. We questioned the person in the service department about why it was not under warranty and he assured us that is was just a normal brake repair. We did not have a good feeling so we decided to wait until we got back to MD the next week and have Preferred take a look. When Preferred took a look at the truck they informed us the brakes pads and rotors were fine and had plenty of time left. The let us know that the brakes felt funny when stopping because the front hubs were bad and the ABS system was coming on when it should not be coming on. From the time we drove from Florida to MD we went over the warranty mileage and were no longer covered by the manufacturer. This blew our minds since we were just at a dealer and would have been covered for no charge. Gary said he would try to see if he could call some friends in the business to help us out. Two days later I was driving out of Ourisman in Upper Marlboro with new front Hubs for no charge. Preferred did not even charge me for the whole process. He told me we how much he appreciated us always coming back and having any work done at Preferred rather than in Florida and it was his pleasure. It is unreal to be taken care of that way. Rarely have I seen such a thing.

We've been taking our cars to Preferred for nearly 10 (or more) years.

Gary went above and beyond to provide us with a competitive quote for a 100,000 mi tune up. When the dealership's quote came in at about 60% lower than the quote Gary had given us, we were quickly able to see how the work the dealership proposed was not the best preventative approach to maintenance of our vehicle. We always feel that we're getting a fair deal - not like the dealership. Thanks brothers McKee for the great work!

Thanks Beth. It can be difficult understanding the relevance of estimates with one being complete and other incomplete. I am glad you took the time to let me sort it out with you.
Merry Christmas,
Gary

I have been a client of Preferred Automotive Associates for 18 years. During this time, Gary and Mike have always provided the best service and have truly cared about me as a client. They have always been respectful of my finances and haven't tried to "oversell" me on repairs. They have established and maintained a long term relationship with me that is based on trust and honest communication. Their integrity is unmatched and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Gary, Mike and the Team at Preferred are not just the "guys" that work on my car(s), and yes they have watched me grow up through several cars - but they are like family. I have been going to Preferred for over 20 years. They treat both me and my cars with respect and a friendly face each and every time. They are always willing to go that extra step to help me out and that is why I continue to stay with my Preferred family. I know there are other choices that may even be more convenient, but there is definitely something to be said for quality service and professionalism.
Long Time Loyal Customer,
Liza

I've been taking my cars to Preferred Automotive for over ten years. Gary and Mike are great. They always take the time to explain something if I didn't understand what they wanted to do to my cars. I'm a very satisfied customer and would highly recommend them.

Was brought to Preferred after a breakdown on the highway. They were impressively knowledgeable and helpful. Although busy with their regular clients they put in extra time to get me back on the road. A very very professional outfit.

My second trip to Preferred Automotive.
They are a Tire Rack preferred installer. Helped thru the entire process complete with 4 wheel alignment. Great work, reasonable price.I will be back. They have earned my trust.I ask lots of questions , even asked for a test drive. Not a problem for Preferred. They are willing to take the extra step to insure satisfaction.

I have had many cars and have used many repair and maintenance facilities. Preferred Automotive is the best I have found, and I won't go anywhere else now. They are fully competent to do any repair, their services are fairly priced, and they will do anything it takes to make you completely satisfied with their work. They all are friendly and a pleasure to deal with. I recommend Preferred to all my friends. You can't go wrong taking your car to them.

I'm not surprised by the volume of positive reviews here. The guys at Preferred are personable and very friendly. My low rating is based on their habit of "gold plating". Come in for fluid change? They'll push the use of a high pressure induction whozit to "really get the fluids out". With the add ons, a $200 service becomes $2000. I had to go line by line through the estimate with them, challenging each item, before I realized how many extras they added above and beyond what I requested. Example, I didn't ask for or need a pricey air conditioning sanitization with my B-4 service.

Of course they took off everything I didn't want before doing the work, but I wonder what that means for the less observant or less assertive customers out there.